Gladys Rose Van Deest "Gram", 100, of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at her home in Grundy Center, while under the care of Unity Point Hospice. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 27, 2016 at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 28, 2016 at the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center. Burial will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Memorials may be directed to the family. The family would like to thank Unity Point Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care for their excellent attention and care.

Gladys was born on January 31, 1916 at the family farm in Grundy County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Joe and Kathryn (Haren) Meester. She attended Pleasant Valley Country School in Grundy County, Iowa. Gladys was united in marriage to John B. Van Deest on December 26, 1935 at the Colfax Center Presbyterian Church in rural Holland. Together they welcomed four children into their family. John passed away on March 31, 1982 after 46 years of marriage. Later in life Gladys met her special friend Charlie Reber and they enjoyed 24 wonderful years together until Charlie passed away on November 7, 2010.

Gladys was a long-time member of Bethany Presbyterian Church. Alongside her husband John, she owned and operated the Farmers Coop Gas Station in Holland. Gladys was known around Grundy County as the Avon Lady in the VW Bug. She enjoyed gardening both flowers and vegetables and loved the outdoors. Gladys also loved watching and feeding birds at her home.